Hot cross bun" sign in multiple system atrophy with predominant cerebellar ataxia: a comparison between proton density-weighted imaging and T2-weighted imaging.

[Objective]: To investigate whether proton density-weighted imaging can detect the "hot cross bun" sign in the pons in multiple system atrophy with predominant cerebellar ataxia significantly better than T2-weighted imaging at 3T. [Methods]: Sixteen consecutive patients with multiple system atrophy with predominant cerebellar ataxia according to the Consensus Criteria were reviewed. Axial unenhanced proton density-weighted imaging and T2-weighted imaging were obtained using a dual-echo fast spin-echo sequence at 3T. Two neuroradiologists independently evaluated visualisation of the abnormal pontine signal using a 4-point visual grade from Grade 0 (no "hot cross bun" sign) to Grade 3 (prominent "hot cross bun" sign on two or more sequential slices). Differences in grade between proton density-weighted imaging and T2-weighted imaging were statistically analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. [Results]: In 11 patients (69%), a higher grade was given for proton density-weighted imaging than T2-weighted imaging. In 1 patient (6%), grades were the same (Grade 3) on both images. In the remaining 4 patients (25%), signal abnormalities were not detected on either image (Grade 0). The "hot cross bun" sign was thus observed significantly better on proton density-weighted imaging than on T2-weighted imaging (P = 0.001). [Conclusions]: The "hot cross bun" sign considered diagnostic for multiple system atrophy with predominant cerebellar ataxia is significantly better visualised on proton density-weighted imaging than on T2-weighted imaging at 3T

Clinical Differentiation of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome from Japanese Spotted Fever

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) and Japanese spotted fever (JSF; a spotted fever group rickettsiosis) are tick-borne zoonoses that are becoming a significant public health threat in Japan and East Asia. Strategies for treatment and infection control differ between the two; therefore, initial differential diagnosis is important. We aimed to compare the clinical characteristics of SFTS and JSF based on symptomology, physical examination, laboratory data, and radiography findings at admission. This retrospective study included patients with SFTS and JSF treated at five hospitals in Nagasaki Prefecture, western Japan, between 2013 and 2020. Data from 23 patients with SFTS and 38 patients with JSF were examined for differentiating factors and were divided by 7:3 into a training cohort and a validation cohort. Decision tree analysis revealed leukopenia (white blood cell [WBC] < 4000/µL) and altered mental status as the best differentiating factors (AUC 1.000) with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Using only physical examination factors, absence of skin rash and altered mental status resulted in the best differentiating factors with AUC 0.871, 71.4% sensitivity, and 90.0% specificity. When treating patients with suspected tick-borne infection, WBC < 4000/µL, absence of skin rash, and altered mental status are very useful to differentiate SFTS from JSF

Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles (MISEV2023): From basic to advanced approaches

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), through their complex cargo, can reflect the state of their cell of origin and change the functions and phenotypes of other cells. These features indicate strong biomarker and therapeutic potential and have generated broad interest, as evidenced by the steady year-on-year increase in the numbers of scientific publications about EVs. Important advances have been made in EV metrology and in understanding and applying EV biology. However, hurdles remain to realising the potential of EVs in domains ranging from basic biology to clinical applications due to challenges in EV nomenclature, separation from non-vesicular extracellular particles, characterisation and functional studies. To address the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field, the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) updates its 'Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles', which was first published in 2014 and then in 2018 as MISEV2014 and MISEV2018, respectively. The goal of the current document, MISEV2023, is to provide researchers with an updated snapshot of available approaches and their advantages and limitations for production, separation and characterisation of EVs from multiple sources, including cell culture, body fluids and solid tissues. In addition to presenting the latest state of the art in basic principles of EV research, this document also covers advanced techniques and approaches that are currently expanding the boundaries of the field. MISEV2023 also includes new sections on EV release and uptake and a brief discussion of in vivo approaches to study EVs. Compiling feedback from ISEV expert task forces and more than 1000 researchers, this document conveys the current state of EV research to facilitate robust scientific discoveries and move the field forward even more rapidly

Analytical electron microscopy of a chondrule with relict olivine in the ALH-77015 chondrite (L3)

Fine texture and chemical composition of relict olivines and pyroxenes in a chondrule in the ALH-77015 (L3) chondrite have been studied by a transmission electron microscope with an analytical mode. Dusty cores of the relict olivines have abundant fine inclusions of chromite. In addition, they show dislocations extremely high in density with the predominant Burgers vector of [001]. The dislocations are considered to have been caused by shock impact. Pyroxene grains in the same chondrule show an apparent crystallization sequence of the order of orthoenstatite, clinoenstatite and augite, which cannot be explained by a single crystallization stage. The orthoenstatite crystals are, therefore, considered to be relict

Diopside in chondrules of Yamato-691 (EH3)

Diopside in the chondrules in Y-691 (EH3), most of which include enstatite as phenocrysts, occurs in three different modes; (1) diopside rimming some of the enstatite crystals, (2) single crystals as phenocrysts of the chondrules, and (3) single crystals of diopside enriched in aluminum in one chondrule. The finding of the single crystals of diopside, since that in Qingzhen, indicates their common existence in the E3 chondrites. Common appearance of the single crystals, in contrast with the equilibrated E and the unequilibrated ordinary chondrites, is considered to be related with the reducing condition during the chondrule formation. Crystallization temperature of the crystals is roughly estimated to be 1300-1200℃. Coexistence of aluminum-rich and aluminum-poor diopside in a chondrule implies high pressure episode by shock process

Farmers’ Variety Perception and Selection Criteria in Kitui, Eastern Province of Kenya

Student posterBioversity International has been implementing a project in Kitui, Kenya which assesses farmers’ agrobiodiversity management practices. As part of this research, agrobiodiversity surveys were conducted in 16 villages spread over Kitui Central and Mwingi South districts of Eastern Province, Kenya. The poster provides a snapshot of the study site, agroecology, methodology, crop varieties and seed sources. Results show yields may not always be the main driver of selection; other factors include preparation of special traditional recipes, and cultural uses